I seem to have managed to work my way through to finishing quite a few products this month!  Given I used to give up on products because I had found something else I wanted to try, it’s actually quite satisfying to use a product up!! haha!   So, here’s what I have finished during October…..

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

I first used this when I got a sample in my M&S Advent Calendar last year and I completely loved it!  So much so that I bought the bigger 200ml size, which was made quite attractive by the discount code that had just been advertised!!  This 200ml pot, which I have used most evenings as my second cleanse and as an occasional cleansing mask by leaving it on for a little while in a relaxing bath and it has lasted me months!  It smells absolutely divine, smooths on as a balm and melts to an oil which then cleanses the skin effortlessly.  I then remove it with a flannel and my face is left feeling super soft and clean.  It’s amazingly gentle for use around the eyes too.  Many cleansers irritate my eyes but this doesn’t.  **TIP – keep it in the fridge during the summer…two reasons, one is that it stops it from melting and second is that on a hot summers day, a cold cleansing balm is wonderful!!

Would I repurchase?

Yes…I already had another one in back up for when I ran out!

Benefit Gimme Brow

I have been using Gimme Brow for a couple of years now and I think it is one of the best brow products that I have used.  Essentially this is a brow gel with a tint but it contains tiny fibres that mimic hairs so gives the brow a fuller look.  I have always found when using this, I don’t need any other brow products adding in.  The small brush is perfect for getting a good shape to the brow.

Would I repurchase?

Well, I would…I have in the past, but unfortunately Benefit have recalled these.  Used on the brows as designed, it poses no problems however if it comes into contact with the eye there is a fear of it causing irritation to the eye.  For more info on this please click here!

NIOD CAIS & MMHC

I have posted a lot about The Ordinary on Instagram and on here too, with various serums at very affordable prices.  Their parent company Deciem has a few different brands with differing price points and ever increasing complex ingredients to try to get your head around!  NIOD is no exception and has a range of scientific skincare which I am still not completely clear about!  That said, an offer on QVC recently was heavily raved about on Facebook so when the offer was released I couldn’t help it, I had to buy it as it was a very good deal!!  (I love a bargain!!)  In the box was the Mastic Must Mask (review coming as I LOVE this!), the Photography Fluid and also 3 little brown bottles.  The Copper Amino Isolate Serum (CAIS) needed to be mixed with an activator (at which point the serum then has to be used within it’s shelf life) and the last bottle was the Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC).  I will be writing a separate post about these products and my thoughts and experience but essentially they are key ingredients for general skin health (the CAIS) and signs of ageing (MMHC).

Would I repurchase?

Probably yes.  I can’t quite put my finger on what it is that these products have done for my skin so it is difficult to explain.  CAIS is designed for long-term health benefits to the skin in terms of repair and the MMHC is a more advanced version of the Hyaluronic Acid that I already use from The Ordinary.  Both products together make my skin feel great so if they were on offer again, I would look to repurchase as I am interested in what they can do.  That said I have so many other serums at the moment that I’d like to get some more into my empties list before I repurchase this!

Ted Bake X2O EDT

This scent is a lovely, fresh, feminine fragrance that is great for summer.  It is light but subtly sweet which I really like.  I have featured a couple of these on my empties posts before as they were part of a gift set from a friend of mine.  I always say that perfume is something that is quite tricky to buy for other people but these little bottles have all been beautiful!

Would I repurchase?

Yes!  I haven’t and won’t be at the moment as I have other perfumes that I am using but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this and use it again or indeed buy as a gift for someone else.

NIP + FAB Glycolic Fix Night Pads

I like using acids in my skincare routine and was intrigued to try these…maybe in part because they say ‘extreme’.  I don’t think having used these that they are necessarily ‘extreme’ but that said it does depend on how your skin tolerates acids.  For me, they were absolutely fine.  No harsh sting but I felt that they were working.  I used these probably every few nights and they exfoliate really well, leaving my skin soft and prepped for serums.

Would I repurchase?

Yes.  I haven’t because I have other acids that I am using but I would certainly pick these up again.

Clinique Moisture Surge

This one almost needs no introduction as I have mentioned this more than once on my blog!  I LOVE this moisturiser and have been using it every day for around 2 years.  It is a lightweight, smooth, gel-creme formula that is absorbed easily into the skin.  It doesn’t leave any residue on the face and is perfect any time of the year for my oily / combo skin.

Would I repurchase?

I wonder why I put that question in sometimes…..no brainer…yes, already have, probably always will…..I usually have one of these ready to go for when I run out!

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Water

I’ve been using this on and off for a while.  I’ll be honest, I am not sure how long it would last with daily usage as I didn’t use it all of the time.  The cleansing water contains Hyaluronic Acid, Rose Water, Vitamin B3, and Dragon’s Blood. It’s great for soothing, refreshing, brightening and hydrating the skin.  When I used this I have to admit, I wasn’t sure if I liked it as there was a real tingling sensation to my skin that I wasn’t expecting from a cleansing water.  That said, it did make my skin feel clean, clear and it looked somewhat brighter.

Would I repurchase?

Probably not.  Mostly due to the cost as this is £33 for 200ml.  I had bought this when there was a 30% offer code on Rodial’s website so if that came up again I may consider using it again but there are cheaper products out there that do a similar job.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

I bought this after seeing it on a YouTube video of Caroline Hirons…yes another #carolinehironsmademedoit type of product!  I wasn’t sure initially if I would like it as it does smell of rose (which unfortunately reminds me of the old Turkish Delight…which my Nan loved….I didn’t!!!).  That said I absolutely loved it.  It’s a great first cleanse and really feels like it wakes the skin up in the mornings.  It is a thick gel that melts on the skin and leaves it feeling soft and clean.

Would I repurchase?

Yes.  I haven’t yet but I will as this is definitely one of my favourite cleansers.  If there was one criticism it is that being an opaque bottle with a pump, it is impossible to tell how much product is left so it is easy to run out without warning.  That hasn’t put me off buying it again however…merely an observation!

No7 Makeup Brush Cleanser

Ok, so not a skincare or makeup item but most definitely linked!  I wanted to include this as I am very fussy when it comes to brushes and cannot stress enough to people about brush hygiene being so important!!!  This liquid cleaner is pumped onto a piece of kitchen roll and then the dirty brush is swiped through it until clean.  Works perfectly and doesn’t damage the brushes in any way.

Would I repurchase?

Yes.  Simple as that!   I do use a Stylpro Brush cleaner to deep clean my brushes but a cleanser like this is ideal in between.  Or if you’re guilty for never cleaning your brushes….this is so easy to use….there’s no excuse!!! haha!

So that’s all of my empties for October.  Have you used any of these?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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